Which term describes a swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues?

Which term describes a swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues?

• A. Edema
• B. Anemia
• C. Ulcer
• D. Fibrosis

Answer: (A)

Swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues is edema. It happens when fluid leaks from capillaries into the surrounding interstitial space faster than it can be returned to the bloodstream, so the tissue swells. This shift can come from several mechanisms: increased capillary hydrostatic pressure (as in heart failure or venous obstruction), decreased plasma oncotic pressure (such as with low albumin), blockage of lymphatic drainage, or increased capillary permeability during inflammation. Edema can be localized, like in a sprained ankle, or generalized, affecting many areas of the body. Clinically, you might notice that pressing on the area leaves a pit (pitting edema). This concept contrasts with anemia, which is a deficiency in red blood cells; ulcers, which are breaches in the skin or mucosa with tissue loss; and fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of connective tissue.

Swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues is edema. It happens when fluid leaks from capillaries into the surrounding interstitial space faster than it can be returned to the bloodstream, so the tissue swells. This shift can come from several mechanisms: increased capillary hydrostatic pressure (as in heart failure or venous obstruction), decreased plasma oncotic pressure (such as with low albumin), blockage of lymphatic drainage, or increased capillary permeability during inflammation. Edema can be localized, like in a sprained ankle, or generalized, affecting many areas of the body. Clinically, you might notice that pressing on the area leaves a pit (pitting edema). This concept contrasts with anemia, which is a deficiency in red blood cells; ulcers, which are breaches in the skin or mucosa with tissue loss; and fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of connective tissue.